As many as 16 shops dealing in pooja articles and temple-related materials were gutted in a major fire at the well-known Poorna Market in the early hours of Tuesday (December 23, 2025).
According to information, no casualties were reported in the incident. However, the traders estimated losses to the tune of ₹50 lakh. Since the shops were located very close to one another inside the market, the fire reportedly spread rapidly from one shop to the next within a short span of time.
District Fire Officer G. Renukaiah said that the Fire Department received information at around 1.40 a.m. Acting promptly, the department immediately pressed two fire tenders into service, including one vehicle from Marripalem. Fire personnel battled the flames for nearly two hours before the blaze was completely brought under control, he said.
The DFO further informed that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. However, preliminary observations indicate that a short circuit might have triggered the mishap. A detailed investigation will be conducted to ascertain the exact reason, he added.
Mayor Peela Srinivasa Rao and Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) Commissioner Ketan Garg visited the market and inspected the damaged shops. The officials interacted with the affected shopkeepers. They instructed the concerned authorities to take all necessary measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future. The Mayor assured the traders that all possible assistance would be extended to those who suffered losses.
As several shopkeepers had kept their goods outside the shops following the damage caused by the fire, the Mayor directed Zonal Commissioner Mallaiah Naidu to arrange two watchmen to safeguard the material without causing any inconvenience. He also instructed him to coordinate with the police department to ensure night patrolling in the area for additional security.
The Mayor further assured that the GVMC would take comprehensive steps to develop Poorna Market into a modern facility. He informed the traders that the construction of a new complex would begin shortly to improve infrastructure and safety standards in the market.
Visakhapatnam South MLA Ch. Vamsikrishna also visited the market along with GVMC officials and inspected the affected shops. He inquired with the traders about the incident and the losses incurred. The MLA assured them that the government would extend all possible help at the earliest to support the affected traders.
Published – December 23, 2025 06:57 pm IST
